Before-and-after photos like the ones on this list show progress, how ever much of it happened. In 2015, Vox featured a similar gallery that showed the different transformations of landscapes around the world.
These are NASA-captured satellite photos in a series titled “Images of Change.” One picture shows the state of Rondônia in Western Brazil between 1975 and 2009 when vast forest lands were turned into farms and pastures.
Another photo shows the transformation of Cancún, Mexico, between 1979 and 2009. The before-and-after pictures show the rapid urbanization after the city became a tourist hotspot in the ‘70s.
However, the economic boom from tourism came at a cost, as the expansion and gentrification led to pollution and loss of diversity.
Before and after photos may indicate advancement but may also serve as harsh reminders. According to National Eating Disorders Association director Chelsea Kronengold, it may trigger an unhealthy comparison, especially among those with body dysmorphia issues.
“The impact of before and after photos lend to social and body comparisons, which can cause harm to anyone — especially people struggling with body image and eating concerns,” Kronengold told HuffPost.
However, before-and-after photos aren’t all bad. As entrepreneur and Social Triggers founder Derek Halpern points out, they can also be a way of creating connections with people.
“Showing your prospects where others came from and where they are now helps prove to them, ‘this can work for you, too,’” he stated.
What about you, dear readers? What do you think about these before and after photos? How much have these celebrities evolved over the years? We’d love to know your thoughts!
